How to Think Like a Computer

In the not-so-distant future, artificial intelligence is banned because a technophobic cult called the Luddites has proclaimed it a threat to humanity. Torrin is a fifteen-year old autistic girl -- who just happens to be a programming genius. Angry at the Luddites' unfair rules, Torrin creates an AI named Alan, who becomes more like a human every day. But the head of the Luddites, Ian Caulkins, is onto her, and Torrin must prove to the world that Alan is an asset -- not a threat.
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Author's note, December 2017: Hey guys, since this is my most popular story on Wattpad, I'd just like to say a few things. I've gotten a lot better at writing since I wrote this, and I'm planning to majorly revise it at some point, so look out for that. Read this version if you like, but just know that it does have flaws and could certainly be better. Also, I think the autistic representation in this is a little iffy, so take it with a grain of salt. Thanks!
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author's note 2025: lol. lmao. this story has probably aged extremely poorly. please do not take the "artificial intelligence" here as a statement about "AI" as it currently exists. anyway, i'm leaving this up for posterity, but do know that you should probably check out better fiction! if you need recommendations, i like ted chiang's work a lot, and i'd also encourage looking into what he has to say about AI. (no good things, fwiw.)
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A 20,000 word novella. Enjoy!
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This was #292 Science Fiction at some point! Thanks all! :)